By Max Trujillo, HECHO’s NM Field Coordinator.

There are few souls in our world who care so deeply about our planet and the creatures that inhabit it as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Wildlife Federation Kent Salazar.

Kent is the epitome of that “rare bird” in the conservation space.

As he transitions out of his role as HECHO's Advisory Board member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Wildlife Federation, his HECHO family reflects on how profound and impactful Chairman Salazar’s work has been and how it has affected us individually as well as other organizations, programs, and affiliates.

Though unassuming in nature, Kent has shattered barriers in the conservation space and has paved the way for so many. Innovation, equity and inclusivity were at the heart of Kent’s work throughout his many years of service. He always makes sure that we are clear on the mission and that foundationally, we are prepared for whatever the task of the day is.

I am not alone when I say that Kent will be missed, and his shoes are going to be hard to fill. The conservation space is better because of Kent’s contribution. The National Wildlife Federation may be where Kent rooted himself, but his branches reach far beyond it. He has mentored and assisted folks from practically every conservation organization. He is known in spaces ranging from the administration and cabinet to local groups trying to ensure access to public lands. No matter how challenging the issue is, Kent’s calm and pragmatism have proven to be the necessary factor to keep things moving positively.

Kent’s vision and belief in the mission of HECHO have come to fruition with the elevation of Hispanic voices in conservation. HECHO has become a formidable and valuable asset in the conservation space, and Kent’s advice and mentorship of the team are evident. Empowering and elevating those associated with him is ingrained in his work and provides something we should all aspire to. As an advisory board member of HECHO, Kent ensured that HECHO was in the mix regarding opportunities. With his help and mentorship, our small organization has become a big deal.

One of my fondest memories of Kent is when I had just taken my first paid job in conservation with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. I was asked by Jeremy Vesbach, then Executive Director of the organization, to go to D.C. to advocate for Rio Grande del Norte, Columbine Hondo, and Organ Mountains Desert Peaks. This was before any designations had occurred. Never having been in Washington, D.C., and not knowing much about what I was being asked to do, I remember Jeremy advising me to meet up with Kent, whom I had only met in my phone interview with NMWF and who would be going to the nation’s capital as well. Jeremy told me I would be in good hands, and he was so right! Kent took me under his wing and was a pivotal advisor and guide to me in the following days. He literally walked me through the entire process.

Since then, I have been to Washington, D.C., many times to advocate mainly for protecting public lands. In every advocacy trip to our nation’s capital, I try to follow his example, helping my colleagues and addressing our respective delegation members with confidence and knowledge.

Kent encouraged me to serve on the Board of Directors of NWF and has always provided opportunities for me and anybody he can. Unveiling that talent and developing a contributing resource is what Kent did, and as a meadow in the middle of a super bloom, he has brought beautiful color to this space. I hope that current and future members of the board of directors of the NWF will continue the great work they are doing and that, from time to time, pull a page from Kent’s playbook to ensure the equitable perpetuation of this amazing organization.

Equity, justice and inclusivity are not just taglines for Kent. They are cornerstones on which he has built a legacy. A remarkable legacy that is worthy of current and future generations, and it is up to each of us to live up to it.

Perpetuation of his fantastic work will be up to each of us. For there is no tragedy in someone’s moving on, tragedy would be for his work to be forgotten or reverted back to a less colorful time.

May our mountains and valleys and the millions of acres that Kent Salazar helped protect echo his name for the rest of time.

Thank you, Chairman Salazar.

Kent Salazar: A remarkable leader and conservation pioneer